Sea Monsters Research Articles

Antecedent description and depiction of the recently described cetacean behaviour of trap/tread-water feeding inferred from a nineteenth-century sighting of a ‘sea monster’ in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt

In 2017 and 2018, two groups of biologists published papers in which they independently described what was referred to as a ‘novel’ or ‘new’ feeding behaviour for cetaceans. Called ‘trap’ or ‘tread-water’ feeding, the behaviour was of interest as it was the first time that passive or stationary in contrast to lunge, and vertical as opposed to horizontal position, feeding had been observed by whales. A subsequent historical ecology paper suggested that the recently described behaviour had in fact been previously observed and documented by illustrators and writers in Classical Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Because yesterday’s ‘sea monsters’ are today’s megafauna, recounted sightings of the former can provide early insight into whale behaviour. One such example is an 19th century sighting of a ‘sea monster’ in the Gulf of Suez, whose description and illustration are nearly identical to modern scientific reporting of whales engaged in trap/tread-water feeding. Such concordance is further evidence in support of a historical precedence with respect to observing and documenting this behaviour.

A ‘sea monster’ depicted in the 1585 map of Iceland may exemplify spy-hopping behaviour in cetaceans

While there is a long history of misidentifying whales as sea monsters, historical maps and anecdotes can provide early depictions and descriptions of cetacean biology. For example, the map of ‘Islandia’ [Iceland] reproduced by Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598) in numerous printings of his atlas Theatrum orbis terrarum has an array of sea monsters, including the ‘Staukul’, that was said to stand upright out of the water for extended periods. This may be the earliest portrayal of spy-hopping, a common behaviour in which whales elevate themselves above the water to observe their surroundings.

The Posed and the Transposed

Abstract This article draws on examples ranging from Richard F. Outcault's early twentieth-century newspaper strips to the more complex work of the German artist Wilhelm Schulz in a late nineteenth-century anarchist magazine to show how the format of sequential images can allow a play upon different levels of reality. Their simultaneous presentation, not time-bound like that of cinema, can subvert linear narrative progression and create a disturbing universe in which the boundaries between ontological levels become blurred. Schulz's image of a threatening sea monster encroaching upon the shore is compared to work by Expressionist, Symbolist and Surrealist artists in which the appearance of such creatures in liminal spaces evokes repressed psychic material, as waking life gives way to the irrational and the nightmarish.

The Will to Chaos and Disorder: The Behemoth as a Model of Political Economy

AbstractThe history of political economy is tormented by beasts. The most famous is the Leviathan, the giant serpentine monster that figures in Hobbes’s masterpiece of modern political theory. Robert Fredona and Sophus Reinert spotlight another sea monster, the Kraken, that giant octopus or squid with a particular morphology (i.e., its tentacles) that so fittingly describes the grip of multinational corporations, stateless financial capital, social media, and tech giants today. But there are still other monsters in the bestiary of political economy. In this essay, I highlight the Behemoth, a land monster that captures another critical dimension of political economy: the willful and intentional deployment of chaos and disorder as a way of governing. Franz Neumann, political and legal theorist and lawyer, Columbia University professor, and member of the Frankfurt School in exile, placed the Behemoth at the heart—and in the title—of his analysis of Germany’s political economy under the Nazi regime. Alongside the Leviathan surveillance state and the many tentacular grips of multinational, social media, and tech Krakens, the Behemoth remains a key model to better understand current forms of capitalism.

CAERULEAN HOUNDS AND PUPPY-LIKE VOICES: THE CANINE ASPECTS OF ANCIENT SEA MONSTERS

AbstractThis article examines the dog-like aspects and associations of two marine monsters of Graeco-Roman antiquity: Scylla and the κῆτος. Both harbour recognizably canine features in their depictions in ancient art, as well as being referenced as dogs or possessing dog-like attributes in ancient texts. The article argues that such distinctly canine elements are related to, and probably an extension of, the conceptualization of certain marine animals, most prominently sharks, as ‘sea dogs’. Accordingly, we should understand these two sea monsters and the sea dogs as being interrelated in the ancient imagination. Such a canine resonance to certain sea creatures offers a valuable insight into the Graeco-Roman imagination of the marine element as being the abode of creatures reminiscent of terrestrial dogs.

Goliath’s Humanimal Body: Masculinity, Ethnicity, and Animal Imagery in 1 Samuel 17

Abstract In 1 Samuel 17, Goliath is described using animal imagery, depicted like a sea creature, a lion and bear, a dog, and scavengers’ prey. I argue that these images present Goliath as not fully human, and contribute to the construction of his masculinity and ethnicity. This article traces the following trajectory: masculinity is established then undermined; the foreigner encroaches then is expelled. Goliath is introduced as a hypermasculine ultrapredator. Akin to a sea monster from the chaotic beyond, he has an exoskeleton of fish-scale armour (17:5). David then likens Goliath to lions and bears (17:34–37), imperial symbols for fearsome foreign nations. David, though, can grasp their beards (overturning their masculinity) and slay them. Goliath perceives David to be treating him like a scavenging dog (17:43)—a dishonorable creature encroaching where it does not belong. Consequently, the opponents threaten to give the other’s flesh to the birds and beasts (17:44, 46). Their bodies’ masculine wholeness is disarticulated by scavengers and expelled from society.

Monstrous Disembodiment and Ontological Uncertainty in Charybdis

ABSTRACT Charybdis is a well-known sea monster in both the ancient and modern imaginations resulting from her prominent appearance in the Odyssey. Yet, in contrast to her counterpart across the strait, Scylla, she has been overlooked by modern scholars, and few have examined what makes her monstrous in the first place. This article will argue that Charybdis should be understood as monstrous as a result of her lack of corporeality, which, in turn, also results in an ontological uncertainty about whether or not she is even a natural phenomenon or, rather, a supernatural monster. The type of fear and unease that Charybdis’s unique form of monstrosity exerts on humans can, then, be best described with reference to Mark Fisher’s concept of “the eerie” as a failure of presence where we expect it to be.

The Rising Tide of Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Journals: A Profound Shift in Research Landscape

Dear Editors, I found the content of your editorials to be highly intriguing [1,2]. Scientific journals are witnessing a growing prevalence of publications related to artificial intelligence (AI). Three letters to the editor were recently published in your journal [3-5]. The renowned journal Nature has dedicated approximately 25 publications solely to the subject of ChatGPT. Moreover, a quick search on Pubmed using the term "ChatGPT" yields around 900 articles, with the vast majority originating in 2023. These statistics underscore the substantial interest of the scientific community in this area. AI, especially the ChatGPT tool and the recent Bard, have faced criticism and been portrayed as significant adversaries of science. It is evident that many authors or researchers, who may not be well-versed in writing, can greatly benefit from these tools, as mentioned earlier. Without taking a contrarian stance, one should consider the potential advantages of such technologies for researchers in less privileged regions, where access to new technologies is limited, and local or regional challenges abound [6]. AI cannot be confounded with other technologies, as it specifically focuses on replicating human-like intelligence and decision-making processes, rather than simply automating tasks or improving performance based on data patterns. The translation into English poses challenges due to the dominance of English in worldwide publications, with over 95% of articles being published in this language, and even reaching 98% in some fields. Although this manuscript was partially translated using AI, it can still benefit researchers from non-native English regions. Even simple tasks like text editing can be problematic for researchers in underprivileged areas. AI can play a crucial role in the evolution of online lectures and classes, providing valuable support for African maxillofacial surgeons who lack the luxury of taking breaks from work to update their knowledge, as they may be the only available option [7]. One of the remarkable features of AI is its ability to discover knowledge gaps. The use of simple tools like reference organizers is rapidly evolving and can become automated or semi-automated through AI. However, we must carefully consider whether we should refrain from relying too heavily on AI in certain cases, as this could be seen as a significant regression. On the other hand, we must be cautious about freely allowing AI tools to circulate in scientific journals and books without proper regulation [8]. Currently, accurately identifying texts generated by AI is challenging, and their effectiveness remains relatively low, at less than 30%. This means that only about 30 out of every 100 texts can be confidently classified as AI-generated. The technology must advance further to increase detection accuracy or at least raise suspicion. Academic journals no longer view authors acknowledging artificial intelligence tools as co-authors in their research favorably. This is crucial to prevent certain unscrupulous individuals, such as "false prophets," charlatans, and flat-earthers, from infiltrating the realm of science, potentially impeding the progress of serious research conducted by professionals dedicated to advancing humanity through science. It is essential to keep in mind that AI does not generate anything novel. Human authors can not be fully substituted [9]. In research involving groundbreaking concepts, innovations, case reports, or technical notes, the use of AI tends to be less frequent due to its lack of capability in creating innovative outcomes. On the other hand, reviews, whether narrative, systematic, or scoping, are based on existing publications. To address potential fraudulent practices, editors, reviewers, and journals themselves should exercise greater vigilance and apply more stringent filters for this type of publication. An article from over a decade ago already discussed the professions most susceptible to replacement by computerization [10]. Maxillofacial surgeons, physicians, dentists, and psychologists are among the professions that are less likely to be displaced. This position can be attributed to the significant level of patient-professional interaction, the development of specific manual skills over time, and the ability to make adaptable decisions during procedures. These intricacies pose formidable challenges for AI to grasp, regardless of its level of advancement. We should maintain a composed yet vigilant stance at this juncture. Just as Portuguese navigators feared encountering serpents and sea monsters when they ventured into uncharted waters, the uncertainty and novelty of AI can evoke apprehension in us all. Nonetheless, we must embrace the benefits that AI can offer while imposing strict regulations and appropriate penalties to prevent any potential abuses carried out "in the name of science." Sincerely yours,

Can there be a Biography of a Book?: Comparative Observations on Publications by Francysk Skaryna and Erik Pontoppidan

In a comparison of bibliographical approaches to Francysk Skaryna’s The Little Traveller’s Book (1522) and Erik Pontoppidan’s Natural History of Norway (1752) this article argues that attempts to write a book biography can benefit from extensive archival research as well as close physical examination of surviving copies, using new forensic technologies as well as adapting more traditional modes of investigation. Ultimately, however, the concept of ‘biography’ or ‘life cycle’ is questioned. The article examines the intellectual genesis, writing, translation, critical review, reception and collection of the Natural History as well as its extraordinary legacy – a legacy that is helpfully comparable to and distinctive from that of Skaryna’s work. Both writers moved in a world of circuits, of typographical and bibliographical innovation and comment, of travel and translation, of new and emergent accessibility to language and books – all, from their perspective, from the beneficence of God and to His glorification. Skaryna’s journey took him from Polatsk and Vilnius to Kraków and Padua, to his first Psalter and other biblical publishing in Prague and his The Little Traveller’s Book in Vilnius, to travels to Moscow, Poznan, Königsberg and back to Vilnius and Prague. As with Skaryna, Pontoppidan engaged in wide travel, also establishing far flung contacts and correspondence. Both faced constraints, and most notably the impact of war, disease, political and religious intervention and fires that destroyed cities and printing houses. Both writers were determined to write in the vernacular, Skaryna working to translate and create new type, all to make books of the Bible available in an accessible language. Skaryna contributed to the development of the Belarusian literary language just as Pontoppidan’s writing and interest in dialect contributed both to the standardization of Danish and the distinctive linguistic origins of Norwegian. Both composed prefaces to their editions, in which they emphasized that the purpose of their publishing activities was to help ordinary people, in Skaryna’s words to “become acquainted with wisdom and science.” The legacies of both diverged from literary references and directly derivative sightings of sea monsters in the case of Pontoppidan, to numerous statues and other material commemorations in the case of Skaryna who remains embroiled symbolically in different claims over national identities.
 The concluding assessment of whether such study can contribute to a ‘book biography’ or ‘life cycle’ is guarded, suggesting alternative concepts that might be tested. This includes the idea of a ‘book biology’ whereby, in such study of a ‘life’, a book is conceived by its intellectual creator with very specific intentions and is then transmuted by other actors and agencies into different material, visual and linguistic forms. In the case of Skaryna, the creations amounted to numerous unstable texts, variously arranged, with uncertain survival rates and relatively poor evidence of use. In the case of Pontoppidan, three more stable editions, Danish, German and English, were all also materially different and each copy reproduced in separate operations of printing and collation. Each copy pursued thereafter its own life – no more reproduction and so no book genealogy – but hugely diverse and differently influential lives. In such ways the biosphere might be renamed the bibliosphere. Some book lives were terminated in relative infancy, some moved around the world and through many hands, some mutilated, others preserved in situ and symbolically represented at anniversaries or for political and cultural ends.

Structural organization of the rat hyppocampal formation

The review examines the historical aspects of the hippocampus nomenclature. Its anatomical study began by the ancient Greeks, who called the unusual–looking structure a “ram’s horn” – cornu ammonis. The term “hippocampus” (ancient Greek: ἱππόκαμπος, from ἵππος, “horse” and κάμπος, “sea monster”, or “sea-horse”) was first introduced in the sixteenth century by anatomist J.C. Arantius. The term “hippocampal formation” is currently applied to a group of cytoarchitectonically different adjacent areas, including, along with the hippocampus itself, the dentate gyrus, subiculum, presubiculum, parasubiculum and entorhinal cortex. The reason for including these six regions in the “hippocampal formation” group is that they are connected to each other by unique and largely unidirectional pathways. The review is devoted to the spatial, morphological and cyto- and myeloarchitectonic organization of all departments of the rat hippocampus formation and the distinctive neuroanatomic characteristics of its departments. Comparative features of the structure of the hippocampus formation of a rat, monkey and human are described. Although the volume of the hippocampus is about 10 times larger in monkeys and 100 times larger in humans compared to rats, the basic architecture of the hippocampus formation is common, although there are some species differences. The relatively simple organization of the main cellular layers in combination with the highly organized laminar distribution of hippocampal neuron processes contributes to its use as a model system in modern neuroscience.

Entre le griffon et le monstre marin, entre le kētos et le sēnmurv. Réflexions sur les créatures hybrides du chancel de Santa Maria Assunta d’Aquilée (ixe siècle)

Le décor sculpté sur les plaques de chancel de la cathédrale Santa Maria Assunta d’Aquilée donne à voir un univers harmonieux qui canalise une matière en cours de transformation, à l’image de la spiritualisation du charnel par les sacrements. Les différents éléments qui composent cet univers sont liés les uns aux autres pour mieux mettre en lumière la cohérence de la Création. Dans cet espace construit, les frontières entre végétal, minéral, animal et ornemental se fondent et se confondent, tout comme la distinction entre animaux connus et imaginaires. Sur l’une des plaques du chancel, deux créatures empruntant des caractéristiques à des espèces animales terrestres, célestes et aquatiques s’abreuvent à l’Arbre-Fontaine de Vie, tirant un trait d’union entre ici-bas et au‑delà et apportant un espoir de salut. Affrontés, ils s’opposent pour faire obstacle au passage du fidèle, renforçant la fonction séparatrice du chancel, délimitant la frontière entre nef et chœur, entre les laïcs et les clercs. Présentés sur un support vertical face au fidèle, ces êtres composites participent au rapprochement de l’homme avec Dieu en l’invitant à faire corps avec le Christ par la communion, à s’en remettre, corps et âme, à l’Église. Faisant appel à l’ordre, la variété et la mesure, cet univers visuel rythmé invite à dépasser la frontière du visible, du sensible, du matériel, à se détacher de l’opposition ressemblance/dissemblance pour progresser vers l’invisible, l’intelligible et l’immatériel.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF ORNAMENTS IN DALEM SEGARA MADHU TEMPLE JAGARAGA VILLAGE, SAWAN DISTRICT, BULELENG REGENCY

One part that can be a hallmark of a temple is the carving ornament. Ornaments in sacred buildings, especially temples, of course contain very deep philosophical values. In general, the ornaments on temples, especially Pura Dalem will be related to wayang reliefs, reliefs that tell about the final journey of humans and so on. This is different from the ornaments found in the Pura Dalem Segara Madhu. The uniqueness of Pura Dalem Segara Madhu in Jagaraga Village can be seen in the reliefs located on the walls of the temples. Relief depicting the history of Balinese people against Dutch colonialism. There are also reliefs depicting ships being attacked by sea monsters, people driving cars and others. This uniqueness is a tourist attraction for people to visit the temple. The uniqueness of the ornaments owned by Pura Dalem Segara Madhu, Jagaraga Village, becomes an interesting thing to study with regard to the philosophical values ​​contained in it. By using a qualitative descriptive method, this paper examines the philosophy of ornamentation in the Pura Dalem Segara Madhu. The results of the study are that ornament is a work that is produced in addition to relating to the beauty that is captured by the human senses, it is also related to the values ​​of truth and virtue in the teachings of Hinduism. In addition, it can be understood that all the reliefs contained in the Pura Dalem Segara Madhu Jagaraga are related to each other regarding the struggle of the people of Jagaraga Village. This reaffirms that this temple is not only related to the spiritual life of the community, but also relates to the history of the struggle of the community which is the spirit of social life.

Thomas Hobbes' view on the subject of power in "Leviathan"

Thomas Hobbes (1588 – 1679) was one of the outstanding representatives of English materialism in the seventeenth century (Duncan, 2021), who "systematized Francis Bacon's materialism" (Marx & Engels, 2004, p. 196). At the same time, he applied the principle of mechanism to the socio-political field (Hobbes, 2019, p. 3). In the work on politics, "Leviathan," the main work expresses quite fully the content which is the essence of the political thought of Thomas Hobbes.The state and power, including power in Leviathan, were formed under the influence of the English revolution and civil war. From the loss and suffering caused by the "[w]ar of everyone against everyone" and "man and man are wolves" caused by civil war, Hobbes established the theory of Social contract. That is, in the process of transitioning from the natural state to the civil state, individuals agree to transfer power to the supreme being with incomparable power in order to ensure peace, stability, and security. The powerful, supreme being was described by Hobbes with the image of Leviathan, a sea monster of incomparable power, described in the Christian Bible. The power, responsibility of the supreme, and the relationship between the supreme and the citizens analyzed by Hobbes in "Leviathan" have so far remained topical, leaving valuable lessons for the formation of reasonable political space for socio-economic development.

Nilai-Nilai Filosofi Ornamen Di Pura Dalem Segara Madhu Desa Jagaraga Kecamatan Sawan Kabupaten Buleleng

One of the parts that can be the hallmark of a temple is the carved ornaments. Ornaments in sacred buildings, especially temples, of course contain very deep philosophical values. In general, ornaments at temples, especially Dalem Temple, are related to wayang reliefs, reliefs that tell about the final journey of humans and so on. This is different from the ornaments found in Pura Dalem Segara Madhu. the uniqueness of Pura Dalem Segara Madhu Jagaraga Village can be seen in the reliefs located on the walls of the temple's penyengker. The relief depicts the history of Balinese people against Dutch colonialism. There are also reliefs depicting ships being attacked by sea monsters, people driving cars and so on. The uniqueness of the ornaments owned by Pura Dalem Segara Madhu Jagaraga Village is an interesting thing to study regarding the philosophical values contained therein. In general, this study aims to understand the value of Hindu philosophy in ornaments at Pura Dalem Segara Madhu, Jagaraga Village, Sawan District, Buleleng Regency. This type of research is qualitative using descriptive qualitative methods and data collection techniques using observation, interviews, literature and documentation. The results of the study regarding this matter are that all the reliefs contained in Pura Dalem Segara Madhu Jagaraga have a connection with one another regarding the struggles of the Jagaraga Village community. This reaffirms that this temple is not only related to the spiritual life of the people, but also related to the history of the people's struggle which is the spirit of social life.

Gilly’s Monster Trap by Cyndi Marko

Reviewed by: Gilly’s Monster Trap by Cyndi Marko Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Marko, Cyndi Gilly’s Monster Trap; written and illus. by Cyndi Marko. Wiseman/Simon, 2023 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781665907552 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781665907569 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-7 yrs Gilly loves the water: her favorite possession is her red pair of flippers and her best pal is her fish, Finnegan. She is therefore devastated when sightings of some sort of sea monster close down the beach at Lighthouse Bay, and she’s further upset when the thieving creature takes one of her flippers, among the other items it has [End Page 228] stolen from various villagers. Fed up, she devises a trap to capture the beast, but the monster evades her efforts and even escapes a fishing net. When Gilly falls into her own trap, the monster—a sneaky walrus—comes to the rescue and is then welcomed warmly by the grateful town. Never without her swim cap and bathing suit (and flippers until the walrus steals them), Gilly carries what is otherwise a convoluted story, and her plucky determination and genuine resourcefulness make her a delightful heroine. Watercolor and ink illustrations skillfully balance her playful energy with the serene idyll of a seaside town, and the milieu of the market pier has a cozy, welcoming quality. This could make an interesting pairing with Cox’s nonfiction work, Elizabeth, Queen of the Sea (BCCB 07/14) for a look at pinnipeds’ relationship with humans over the years. Facts about walruses and a bibliography are included in the backmatter. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Notes on Job 3

In a reading of Job’s opening complaint in the third chapter of the Biblical book that avoids unnecessary emendation of the Hebrew text, it is suggested that the author attributes to Job the fatalistic belief that days are ordained to be good or evil and supernatural beings preside over such divisions of time. Accordingly, Job asserts that the sea monster Leviathan is destined to rise at the apocalyptic end of days and there are sorcerers whose spells are to raise him from the deeps. Along the same lines, the text introduces the striking image of edifices doomed even before their erection to become ruins. It is argued further that Job should be read as a satirical encounter with the Psalter in particular and with other, earlier texts of Scripture. Job is an eloquent, even witty tragic hero; his three friends, with their timid, conventional morality, resemble a Greek chorus: with introductions that look very like stage directions for characters, the book of Job displays a dramatic character, and can be compared in that respect to the classical Athenian theater. Passages from the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus are also cited in the discussion. At several points, lyrics of English and American Romantic poets are adduced that resonate with the imagination of the author of the oration.

Morgawr and the Folkloresque: (A study of a whopping fish tale)

The Morgawr is a sea monster that is reputed to swim along the southern coast of Cornwall, Britain's far south west peninsula. It draws on the belief held by many that prehistoric creatures survive, thriving in deep waters. Unlike many cryptids that derive from a foundation of folk tradition, the Morgawr began as a hoax. Originally part of a prank in 1976, stories of the cryptid have evolved, attracting enthusiasts in Cornwall, but also internationally thanks to the Internet. The creation of the Morgawr and then its subsequent development as an expression of folklore allows for a consideration of how it fits into the idea of the folkloresque, a term advanced by Foster and Tolbert to describe cultural expressions that draw on folklore for inspiration, mimicking tradition but representing something that is distinct. While folk traditions are the bedrock of the folkloresque, the two are distinct. In the case of the Morgawr, a faux tradition seems to have inspired genuine belief.

Boat Spirits, Sea Monsters and Seal Women: Fishermen and hidden aquatic dangers in the Faroe Islands

This article discusses aquatic mythologies of the Faroes with focus on the narratives about the shoveller (also called ‘the man on board’), a boat spirit nesting in deep-sea fishing ships. The aim of the article is to examine and interrogate cultural representations of the relation between sea and land in the Faroes today by means of critical reflection on and analysis of the meaning of water-related mythology and folklore: what is the role of the stories and legends about the shoveller and other supernatural beings in present-day conversation about the sea, the islands, and the future? The shoveller, the seal woman, and the others on the ‘other side’ are protagonists of the polyvalent narratives shaping the folklore of the Faroes. They continue to reappear in new settings and among new generations. The spirits, water monsters, and seal women help people envisage what lies beneath the surface, the ocean, and the evident aquapelagic landscape. The shoveller is also a metaphor for the risk and danger in life beyond the fishing vessel today — he is a figure fooling, entertaining, frightening and confusing the islander in the age of globalisation, but also a kobold instructing and guiding the precarious islander in everyday struggle at home and away.

Ancient Sea Monsters and a Medieval Hero: The Nicoras of Beowulf

This article examines the nicor (pl. nicoras) of Beowulf, a type of aquatic monster that appears elsewhere in Old English literature only in the Letter of Alexander to Aristotle and the Blickling Homily XVI. These beasts that attack Beowulf during his swimming contest with Breca and that surround the mere of Grendel and his mother are unfamiliar to modern scholars in terms of their precise nature, being assumed in previous scholarship to be generic water monsters, or hippopotamus-like beasts. Other scholarly suggestions for their underlying influence have been crocodiles and whales. I argue, however, that the nicoras can better be understood as having been influenced by the ancient traditions of the kētos (pl. kētē), the sea monster par excellence of Greco-Roman mythology, which also occupied a prominent place in the Christian imagination. The nicoras in these three Old English texts can be understood, like the dragon of Beowulf, as fantastical creatures that were primarily the product of discernible ancient traditions, rather than generic beasts or purely monstrous versions of real-world animals.

Scylla or Charybdis? The beneficiary’s dilemma between contempt of court orders and Swiss–Liechtenstein Anti-Espionage Law

Abstract Beneficiaries of foreign trusts and foundations are sometimes required by English and other courts to provide information and disclose documents pertaining to their beneficial interests and any related rights they may have to receive payment from the assets or income. This may be relevant in many circumstances, most importantly in family feuds and in divorce proceedings, where courts often ascertain whether such beneficial interests are to be considered beneficiaries’ property and thus whether they are to be shared with, or entirely awarded to, other litigant(s). Contempt of court orders ensure that the court’s directions to produce such evidence will be honoured and followed by the beneficiary, who will then, nolens volens, seek to obtain such information from the foreign trustee or foundation board. However, as the most recent Liechtenstein case law has revealed, this is not as easy and straight-forward as one would think. If the beneficiary is directed by the foreign court to disclose the trust or foundation documents, she or he may become liable for prosecution in Switzerland or Liechtenstein for the violation of somewhat strange, but serious, anti-espionage laws. Concurrently, the trustee or foundation board may not provide information to the beneficiary. Like shipwrecked Odysseus facing sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis, beneficiaries are then caught between two equally unpleasant options and need to venture into and navigate these uncharted waters.